NFL reinstates Antonio Smith following suspension

Texans defensive end Antonio Smith, who was suspended for the dramatic 31-28 season-opening victory at San Diego on Monday night, was reinstated by the NFL today.

Smith reported to Reliant Stadium to begin his preparation for returning from the league-mandated suspension that cost him a game check, almost $353,000.

Second-year defensive end Jared Crick replaced Smith in the lineup against the Chargers and contributed three tackles.

Smith, who’s in the last year of his contract, was missed in the first half and the first San Diego drive of the third quarter when the defense was mostly horrible. Then the defense mounted a reversal of fortune and played exceptionally well during the comeback from the 28-7 deficit.

Smith was suspended for ripping off the helmet of Miami guard Richie Incognito and swinging it at the NFL’s notorious bad boy.

To make room on the roster for Smith, rookie offensive lineman David Quessenberry will be placed on injured reserve and will be out for the season.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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<center><strong>Texans 31, Chargers 28</center></strong><br>
Texans kicker Randy Bullock (4) celebrates with Shane Lechler (9) after kicking a 41-yard field goal for the win in a 31-28 victory over the Chargers. less

<center><strong>Texans 31, Chargers 28</center></strong><br>
Texans kicker Randy Bullock (4) celebrates with Shane Lechler (9) after kicking a 41-yard field goal for the win in a 31-28 victory over the ... more

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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Texans kicker Randy Bullock kicks the game-winning field goal against the Chargers during the fourth quarter.

Texans kicker Randy Bullock kicks the game-winning field goal against the Chargers during the fourth quarter.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Texans kicker Randy Bullock is mobbed by his teammates after kicking the game-winning field goal.

Texans kicker Randy Bullock is mobbed by his teammates after kicking the game-winning field goal.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans inside linebacker Brian Cushing intercepts a pass intended for San Diego Chargers running back Danny Woodhead and returns it for a touchdown during the third quarter.

Houston Texans inside linebacker Brian Cushing intercepts a pass intended for San Diego Chargers running back Danny Woodhead and returns it for a touchdown during the third quarter.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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Texans inside linebacker Brian Cushing (56) returns an interception for a touchdown during the fourth quarter.

Texans inside linebacker Brian Cushing (56) returns an interception for a touchdown during the fourth quarter.

Players on the Chargers bench, including linebacker Andrew Gachkar (59) and fullback Le'Ron McClain (33) celebrate after a replay review gave the Chargers a touchdown on a dive for the end zone by Vincent Brown. less

Players on the Chargers bench, including linebacker Andrew Gachkar (59) and fullback Le'Ron McClain (33) celebrate after a replay review gave the Chargers a touchdown on a dive for the end zone by Vincent ... more

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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Chargers wide receiver Vincent Brown (86) stretches the ball across the goal line for a touchdown during the second quarter.

Chargers wide receiver Vincent Brown (86) stretches the ball across the goal line for a touchdown during the second quarter.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Chargers wide receiver Malcom Floyd (80) leaps to make a catch in the end zone as Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph defends but can't come down inbounds for the touchdown during the second quarter.

Chargers wide receiver Malcom Floyd (80) leaps to make a catch in the end zone as Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph defends but can't come down inbounds for the touchdown during the second quarter.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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Chargers running back Danny Woodhead dives for extra yardage as he is brought down by Texans free safety Danieal Manning.

Chargers running back Danny Woodhead dives for extra yardage as he is brought down by Texans free safety Danieal Manning.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Texans running back Arian Foster buries his head against the turf after being stopped during the second quarter.

Texans running back Arian Foster buries his head against the turf after being stopped during the second quarter.